"Nothing to be done," Estragon famously declares at the start of "Waiting for Godot," articulating one of the most celebrated opening lines in all of modern drama.

Samuel Beckett's signature work had its premiere on Jan. 5, 1953, and in the approximately half-century since, the play has enjoyed (and sometimes endured) all manner of interpretations. What does it mean? What is is about? Absurd? Literal? Impenetrable? All of the above? None of the above?

Well, how about setting the play amid the Louisiana wetlands -- Beckett confronting B.P.?

That's the vision of Laura Hope, an assistant professor of theater at Loyola University, who's directing a production opening Feb. 16 at the Lower Depths Theatre, 6363 St. Charles Ave.

An explanatory note reads: "Following the oil spill which has decimated their fish, former coastal fishermen Vladimir and Estragon find themselves employed to clean the wetlands with paper towels. They are 'Waiting for Godot,' a mysterious figure who will neither explain their perpetual insignificance nor put an end to it."

If you're intrigued enough to head over to the Loyola campus (on the corner of St. Charles and Calhoun St.), performances are Feb. 16-19 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12, $8 for students, children and seniors. Call (504) 865-2074, or go online at Loyola Theatre.